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1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United

Can results be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly